What to see in Venice: 15 must-visit attractions

Venice is a one-of-a-kind city built on 118 small islands connected by over 400 bridges. This Venice guide will take you through Venice's most beautiful attractions and hidden gems that make La Serenissima an unforgettable tourist destination.

The 15 must-see attractions in Venice: what to visit absolutely

1. St. Mark's Square - The heart of Venice

St. Mark's Square is Europe's drawing room, as Napoleon called it, and represents the perfect starting point to visit Venice. The magnificent St. Mark's Basilica with its golden mosaics and the St. Mark's Campanile standing 99 meters tall offer breathtaking views of the city. Tourist tip: visit the square at dawn to avoid crowds and best enjoy this Venice monument.

2. Doge's Palace - Symbol of Venetian power

The Doge's Palace is a masterpiece of Venetian Gothic architecture housing works by Tintoretto and Veronese. Don't miss the famous Bridge of Sighs, which connected the palace to the prisons. The Secret Itineraries Doge's Palace tour reveals hidden rooms and fascinating stories of Venetian history.

3. Grand Canal - Venice's main thoroughfare

The Grand Canal, stretching 4 kilometers and lined with historic palaces, is the city's main artery. Take a Venice vaporetto to admire Ca' Rezzonico, Ca' Pesaro, and the magnificent Rialto Bridge. Sunset in Venice from the Grand Canal is an unforgettable spectacle for every Venice tourist.

4. Rialto Bridge - The most famous bridge

The Rialto Bridge, the oldest of the four bridges spanning the Grand Canal, built in 1591, is surrounded by historic shops and offers spectacular views. This famous Venice bridge is perfect for photographing Venice views both from the bridge itself and from the banks.

5. St. Mark's Basilica - Byzantine masterpiece

With over 4,000 square meters of golden mosaics, St. Mark's Basilica is a treasure trove of Byzantine art. Visit the St. Mark's Museum to see the famous Horses of St. Mark up close and climb to the terrace for a privileged view of the square. This Venice church is essential for those wanting to discover Venetian art.

6. Murano and Burano islands - Artisan excellence

Murano is famous for its thousand-year-old glassmaking art—watch a live demonstration in the historic furnaces. Burano enchants with its colorful houses and traditional lace-making. Both Venice islands are reachable in 30 minutes by vaporetto and represent unmissable excursions from Venice.

7. La Fenice Theater - Temple of opera

La Fenice Theater is one of the world's most prestigious opera houses, rebuilt after the 1996 fire. Operas by Verdi and Rossini premiered here. Even if you don't attend a performance, the Venice guided tour of the theater is worth the ticket.

8. Peggy Guggenheim Collection - Modern art

The Peggy Guggenheim Collection is Italy's most important modern art collection, housed in Palazzo Venier dei Leoni. Admire works by Picasso, Pollock, and Kandinsky in the charming garden overlooking the Grand Canal. This Venice museum is perfect for contemporary art lovers.

9. Dorsoduro district - The artistic side

The Dorsoduro district is the city's university quarter, home to Ca' Foscari. Visit Punta della Dogana for contemporary art and enjoy aperitivo along the Zattere, Venice's most beautiful promenade with views of Giudecca.

10. Ca' Rezzonico - Museum of the 18th century

Ca' Rezzonico is a baroque palace housing the Museum of 18th Century Venice with frescoes by Tiepolo and period furnishings. A dive into aristocratic life of La Serenissima, complete with ballrooms and historic salons of ancient Venice.

11. Rialto Market - Thousand-year traditions

The Rialto Market is Venice's oldest historic market, active for over 1,000 years. Early morning is the best time to see fishermen selling fresh Adriatic fish and breathe in the authentic atmosphere of Venice.

12. Libreria Acqua Alta - The world's most photographed bookstore

In the Castello district, Libreria Acqua Alta is a unique bookstore that keeps books in gondolas and bathtubs to protect them from high water. The book staircase in the inner courtyard offers a picturesque view of the canals and has become one of the Instagram attractions in Venice.

13. Biennale Gardens - The green area

The Biennale Gardens are Venice's largest green area, home to the prestigious Art Biennale. Perfect for a relaxing break from tourist hustle, with national pavilions hidden among the trees. A green oasis in Venice.

14. San Giorgio Maggiore Island - Panoramic views

Reach San Giorgio Maggiore Island to visit the church designed by Palladio and climb the San Giorgio bell tower. The panoramic view of Venice from here is considered the city's most beautiful, perfect for photographing Venice from above.

15. Venice Ghetto - History and memory

The Venice Ghetto is the world's first Jewish ghetto, established in 1516 in the Cannaregio district. Visit the Jewish Museum of Venice and historic synagogues to understand 500 years of history and traditions of the Venetian Jewish community.

Where to stay in Venice: strategic hotel for your trip

To comfortably explore Venice and visit all these wonders, your hotel location is crucial. B&B HOTEL Venice Laguna offers the ideal accommodation in Venice: strategically located on Tronchetto Island, it guarantees direct connection to Venice's historic center while maintaining affordable prices.

Advantages of Tronchetto location for your Venice stay

• Direct connection: Vaporetto every 10 minutes to St. Mark's Square (15-minute journey)
• Parking in Venice: Perfect for those arriving by car
• Quiet Venice hotel: Guaranteed rest away from tourist crowds
• Budget Venice hotel: Competitive rates compared to the historic center

From Tronchetto you can easily reach all the main Venice attractions: St. Mark's in 15 minutes, Rialto in 10 minutes, and the lagoon islands of Murano and Burano with just one transfer.

Planning your Venice trip: practical tips

The city should be experienced slowly—getting lost in Venice among its alleys is part of the authentic Venetian experience. This Venice travel guide helps you not miss the main Venice attractions, but remember that La Serenissima's true magic is discovered by wandering aimlessly among bridges and canals.

How to get around Venice

• Vaporetto: The main public transport for getting around
• On foot: The best way to discover hidden Venice alleys
• Traghetti: Quick connections across the Grand Canal

Choosing B&B HOTEL Venice Laguna as your base to explore Venice will allow you to discover the city comfortably, returning to a peaceful environment after intense days of Venice sightseeing. The strategic location and efficient connections make every attraction easily accessible.

Book your Venice stay now and prepare for an unforgettable experience in the world's most beautiful city. Your Venice weekend or Venice vacation starts with choosing the right hotel.